My husband fought the good fight, but Alzheimer's won the battle. He had his event last Wednesday morning, and this morning he passed away quietly in his sleep.
The pastor had been out yesterday afternoon, and prayed with us, and all of our children and spouses were here. Now my husband is with God and Diane.
I have to talk to the Pastor this morning to determine when the memorial service at the Church will be. It looks like we will try for Saturday morning, but I don't know if it is available right now. I'm groggy from lack of sleep and circumstances, and will write more later.
Prayers going up for you and your wonderful Family, Mary. Dave fought a couragous battle and now he is at peace. Time to concentrate on Mary now as you re-build your life. (((((((HUGS)))))))
Ooooh Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. You were kind enough to let us know it was happening soon, yet I was still stunned when I saw this. The tears flowed when I read your words that he was now with your beautiful Diane....I believe that with all my heart, and I hope it brings you some measure of comfort. You have been through so much dear one....keeping you deep in my heart, thoughts and prayers <3 love you <3
Mary--So sorry to hear about Dave. I want you to know how much of an inspiration you have been to us all through these years of caring for Dave. I remember when I first joined this website, I was amazed at how upbeat you managed to be in your posts and how your loving personality came through loud and clear. I know that you will make a wonderful adjustment to this next stage of your life and will continue to serve as a teacher to the rest of us on how to handle the extreme challenges life throws at us with grace.
Sadness and Joy! Sad that he had to die - but joy that he is now restored and healthy again. You've outshown all of us in your love and patience, devotion and perseverance. If we had a Caregiver Parade, you'd be the Standard Bearer.
Mary- My heart is torn in 2 pieces, one that is rejoicing for Dave, and the other that is sad for you. I will share in your grieving, and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Wish I could give you a big Nola hug. You are my hero, and you have taught us all how to be a great outstanding caregiver.
Mary, Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know we don't mention the dirty dozen anymore, however, my friend my heart is breaking for you. Hugs!!!!
Mary, what an inspiring caregiver you have been. You have had much loss and you have been an inspiration to me. May God hold you and your family in the palm of his Hand and guide you through the next steps. Love and prayers.
Sincere sympathy attend you and your family. You stood tall and served and cared for your dear husband through out this hard sad journey. Your star will well earned and we here are with you now and send all our love and wishes for strength, rest and peace. This has been a very sad springtime for so many here..Peace to all...
Mary we knew this day would come but sure enough we can never prepare for the heartaches and loss. peace is now at Hand* and Daves struggles are over and he will now be your special angel. divvi
May angels surround you with peace and comfort as you follow the next part of the journey. Thank you for your example to us readers/followers of success--even if it may not feel that way now.
Mary, so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been an inspiration to me and others. Please take care of yourself, and come back here when you feel up to it.
Mary and Patty...Sending loving thoughts your way. Sometimes I fail to find the words to express how I feel but please know that you both are in my prayers.
Mary, You and your family have travelled the long hard road of Alz, getting Dave through with grace, dignity, and love. As hard as it was to lose Diane, she was waiting to meet him. Together they now watch over you and your family here. Rest and heal.
Dear Mary, we are traveling so just reading this. I have to echo what an inspiration you have been. There have been so many times when i was too overwhelmed to think clearly and found your advice so clearly and concisely laid out in what became my TO DO lists. Your obvious devotion to your husband coupled with a determination to have your life even in the face of tragic losses lets us all know it can be done! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My dearest Mary, Dave was blessed to have you as his caregiver. You have shown such strength and courage while facing this journey. And even during times of adversity, your light was shining, and you still had the ability to give to others. I am sure that Dave and Diane had a joyful reunion. I am sending my condolences to you and your family now that Dave's struggle is over.
Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and support! They mean a lot to me! You are my extension family! We have gone through so much together.
My family arrived from all over the world in time to see him and say goodbye, and then to be together for his memorial service. I am so fortunate to have such a close, loving family.
Dave's memorial service was Friday morning, and was a wonderful tribute to him. My son prepared a power point presentation of over 100 photos of Dave, from the time he was a baby until two years ago. This played on the screens behind the podium before and during the service on a continuous thread. Twice the slide show stuck - on the same photo, and that was the photo of Dave holding Diane for the first time. We like to think it is the Lord's way of letting us know that they are together now in Heaven.
All but one member of my family have now departed to return to their homes (and their jobs in the morning). My daughter is staying through the summer (she is a school teacher and usually spends the summers with me anyway) and we will be here for each other, as I know that I will be here for you as you have been here for me!
Dear Mary, thanks for letting us know how you are and how the service went. You've been constantly in my mind, and I'm relieved to know that you've had your family with you, especially that you will have your daughter with you for the summer. God bless.
Mary, the service sounded so very nice. My thoughts and prayers have been with you all. Such an inspiration to me during this time. We are here for you.
Mary, so good to hear from you! What a blessing to have such a loving family surround you ♥ I got chills when I read about the slideshow ....... ((hugs))